Carnevino (Las Vegas, NV) [2]

Carnevino has been a steakhouse favorite in Las Vegas since opening over ten years ago. Along with Bazaar Meat, I’ve regarded these two steakhouses as some of the best I’ve been to. This was my third visit to the restaurant, and second for my parents.

Subsequent to this meal, it was announced that Carnevino (and Batali & Bastianich’s two other restaurants in Las Vegas) would be closing at the end of July. While the restaurant tried to distance itself from Mario Batali, it couldn’t escape the fact that he was one its primary co-creators/co-owners. As such, this ended up likely being my last meal here.

Grilled Octopus pickled vegetables and limoncello

Pappardelle beef short rib ragu

Orecchiette sweet sausage and broccoli rabe

Dry Aged Bone-In Ribeye

Dry Aged New York Strip

Mascarpone & Guanciale Mashed Potatoes

Italian Broccoli with garlic and pork

The food at Carnevino was as strong as previous meals. The octopus was tender with a nice smoky char, brightened by citrus and the pickled vegetables. Pastas were also strong – my favorite of the two was the pappardelle with a rich short rib ragu. And, of course, the steaks were excellent. The New York strip exhibited more of the dry-aged characteristics, the grassy, nutty notes, while the rib-eye was more tender and juicy. Neither disappointed. Service took away from the overall meal – while the restaurant was far from full, service was inattentive at times. Having said that, it’ll be sad to see this restaurant go.